Solar Guys

Five Common Window Tint Myths

The Solar Guys - Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Five Common Window Tint Myths

Today, our dollars must go farther, that is a simple truth. We are all looking for ways to get more out of what we spend while still preserving a lifestyle we have worked so hard achieve. The purchases we make seem to have more meaning because we are all the more conscious of the work behind the dollars we spend. The result is that today’s consumer is savvier than ever before. We talk to family, we talk to neighbors, we research product websites, we read consumer studies, and armed with all this information we collect multiple bids.

Here at The Solar Guys, we like savvy customers because we are confident we have the highest quality products at competitive prices and we know people who do their homework always score the best! Still, all that research can lead to “paralysis by analysis”, leaving us weary of the hunt, confused, and even questioning whether we still want anything at all. We would like to take a couple lines to address some common myths about window film that we have encountered while visiting with our customers.

“You can’t put Window Film on dual pane or Low E glass”—False. In fact, certain window films are made especially for Dual Pane or Low-E glass. It is True that not all types of window film are compatible with all types of glass and installing a non-compatible film can cause thermal stress damage to the seals or glass. Our consultants use a manufacturer’s glass compatibility chart to determine what’s safe; ask your consultant if you can view this if you are concerned about the safety of your glass.

“Window Film doesn't help on Low-E glass”—False. Again, Low-E glass just changes the type of window film that is best for your application. Having Low-E glass allows you to install lighter and clearer films which can nearly double the performance of Low-E glass without sacrificing the light you want to keep. Adding window film also allows you to gain the U/V protection and Glare Reduction properties that only film can add.

“Installing Window Film will void my window warranty”—True…in part. Due to the availability of inferior films in home centers and the aforementioned film to glass compatibility concerns, most glass manufacturers will void warranty on the glass if film is installed. However, this is on the glass only, not the entire window. Additionally, you should never lose your warranty; the party standing behind should simply transfer. To make sure this happens, ask your window film consultant if their product warranty extends to the glass the film is applied to.

“All Window Film is the same, just shop the lowest price”—False. Film constructions today range from the old faithful Dual Reflective technologies to Ceramic Nano Technologies to Spectrally Selective Low-E films that can make single pane glass equal to a modern Energy Star rated dual pane window. Some window films are even used to strengthen glass where bomb blast or ballistics resistance ratings are required. Choosing the right film for your application is all about deciding what is important to you, and then matching that with the strengths of a particular window film. It’s about balancing price, heat, light, glare, U/V , privacy, security, and exterior aesthetics. These concerns should not be taken lightly or assumed to be covered by a one size or one brand fits all mentality.

“As long as it has a Lifetime Warranty it doesn't matter who you buy from”—False. First, not all Lifetime Warranties are the same; make sure it extends to the glass the film is applied to and make sure fading or discoloration from dye deterioration is covered over time. Second, though warranties may be from the manufacturer they are issued through the installing vendor; which makes any warranty is only as good as the company who installs it. So wouldn't’ you agree that you should know something about the company you choose to hire? Are the installers direct employees of the company? If not, they may not covered by the insurances of the company you hire and you may open yourself to liability. Additionally, if they are not direct employees, do you or the company you hired really know who will be in your home? At The Solar Guys, we hire our installers. As our direct employees they are covered under our corporate General Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurances. You can also have the confidence that when we send our employees to your home we know who they are because they have all passed background checks and drug screening tests.